Escape into nature and disconnect from your daily life with cabin camping near Waterville. Find the best information on cabins near Waterville, including photos, reviews, and tips. Each cabin rental offers quick access to one or more of Waterville's most popular destinations.
Yellow River State Forest in northeast Iowa is home to stunning views, beautiful woodlands, and meandering trout streams. Nestled in Iowa’s driftless area in Allamakee County, Yellow River offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, equestrian riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and more. Yellow River State Forest was first established in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corp and is home to Iowa’s only fire tower, built in 1963. Today, the forest is managed for numerous natural resource benefits and recreational opportunities.
Big Paint campgrounds are non-modern with vault toilets. Drinking water is available near the office complex. Advance campsite reservations are recommended and can be made through the park reservation system, and one-quarter of the campsites are available for self-registration on a first-come first-served basis.
$12 / night
Located about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here.
The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.
Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.
The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
One rustic camping cabin is available to rent from April 15th through October 31st of each year. There is a minimum stay requirement of 2 nights for this cabin. This rustic cabin has electricity, a microwave, a full-sized refrigerator, and two porches, where one of them is screened in. Visitors must provide their own bedding, towels, cooking utensils, and other essential items. The cabin is located near the backpack registration parking lot and the forestry office.
$75 / night
Red Barn Campground and Restaurant is a cozy hideaway in the hills of Iowa. People come for the scenery, the fishing and the fun. We welcome seasonals, weekenders and locals alike.
It’s a great place to relax with family, make new friends and just take a break from the day to day. Enjoy solitude walking on nature paths and trout fishing. Join friends around the community fire pit. Let the kids play in the arcade or on the playground. Finish the day at our full service bar and grill.
Families have been coming to Red Barn Campground and Restaurant for generations. Season after season, they return with their RVs, boats and fishing poles. Some guests have been coming to Red Barn since they were kids, and now come with their grandkids. There’s no shortage of campfire stories or fisherman’s tales.
$25 - $39 / night
Nestled in the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley, in Wisconsin's Grant County, Boulder Creek is the place for your next camping adventure!
Our campground is conveniently located near Wyalusing State Park, as well as local restaurants, bars, and shops. We are close to ATV/UTV trails, historical sites, wineries, beaches, public boat launches, and SO much more!
Our spacious campsites, and amount of on-site amenities, make us the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure. We have 180 sites, including 20/30/50 Amp sites with full water, electric & sewer, to cozy Canyon Chateau Cabins that sleep up to 10!
***We can't wait to welcome you to Boulder Creek in Bagley, WI! ***
$32 - $260 / night
Guide
Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March.
Guide
A great place for a weekend camping trip. We had an excellent spot (35). One of the only sites with grass. Great hiking and trout fishing.
RangerVery nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites.
Very nice hiking trails, make sure to check the map to plan easy hike up and steep hike downhill! Beautiful vistas on the Switchback trail.
The Mossy Seep trail has interesting plants and unique growth.
Big Spring Trail boarders the campground, easy walk to see the Spring. Tried to dip feet in the water but couldn’t leave them in the COLD water for long! Water is crystal clear and flowing fast.
Bathroom (men’s) if functional, has running water at the sinks and showers work well.
NO PHONE SERVICE which we appreciated.
The Restaurant “Good Times” is 4 miles away and has good food and service. Also a grocery store in town in case you need more supplies.
Leaves are just starting to change in September.
ScoutCame to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.
Scout
If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.
ScoutIf you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Don't have your own camper, but want to try the camper life in an awesome spot? The Hideaway Camper is hosted by experienced hosts and they're ready to provide a great experience for guests. Check them out and share some pics from your stay on the Dyrt!
Ranger
We loved it here! What a gem! The views go on and on!
Huge open sites. Not a lot of trees for privacy but the sites are huge so it’s all good! Hot water and flush toilets and hot showers (need quarters). $40 for a yearly membership (covers your camping fee and then any time you return in the year the camping is only $20).
Feel like you can write your long overdue novel here. Perfect setting and very relaxing. We would stay again for sure. Lots of bugs at night to be expected being that close to the driftless. We awoke to such views - hard to beat!
Guide
Stayed in march it was cold but very nice park , restrooms were nice shower house was closed and locked but the scenery on the hiking trail was amazing
GuideGreat spot in the Root River Valley. They offer lots of extras including tube rental and transport, bike rentals, bingo and live music. Our site was right long the river where we saw turtles, bald eagles and lots of other wildlife. Facilities were clean and well-maintained. Not a lot of trees between sites but still far enough apart for privacy.
GuideThis campground was large. The lake reminded me of a puzzle I did with my grandma as a kid. It was fall, and it was just gorgeous. There was a wedding the weekend we were there, but we were lucky to explore the tower the day prior. The nearby communities offer ameneties, which were needed as I sprained a knee hiking the backbone trail my third go. Absolutely adored the weekend we spent here. Wonderful neighbors, great spacious, level sites. I want to say we had electric only, and service was definitely spotty in most areas of camp. We used Verizon, and could not hulu.
RangerThis huge campground had the best lush looking grass I ever saw. There is every kind of camping to be found here, including seasonal camping. Close to Lanesboro. If I needed bathroom or showers, I would have been disappointed at the port a pots and showers far away from my site.
GuideLong narrow campground in between 2 bluffs in MN driftless area. Sites are not too close but it was early in the season so there wasn't much brush to separate the sites yet. Beaver Creek runs right alongside the campsites and can be heard. There is a nice grassy easy hiking trail along the creek (Big Spring Trail). The Hole-in-the-Rock trail is steep and rocky but has beautiful views and rock formations.
There is no cell phone service.
GuideReally enjoyed this park. This one seems to fly a little under the radar as we were able to book 2 sites next to each other for the weekend only a few days prior to our stay. Site 39 was honestly massive and secluded so we didn’t even end up using our other site. 39 fit a 4 person and 6 person tent with more space to potentially put another 4 person and still have breathing room. Campground has a long and narrow layout with the one shower/non-primitive bathroom at the very front of the park. We stayed in site 39 and 40 which is at the very far end of the campground so we had to hop in the car to shower as it was over a half mile trek. Definitely do some research before booking because I did notice some extremely small sites that had zero privacy. Hiking trails were great with a variety of terrain options. The Hole-in-rock trail had some seriously technical potions but was very fun to climb.
RangerThis hidden gem is a great small park and campground perfect for a weekend getaway. The electric sites are on the smaller side (our site, #7, required us to park our truck lengthwise in front of our 29’ trailer) but are fairly secluded from each other. The bathroom/shower building was strange - vault toilets on one side with the showers on the other. Not sure how the women’s was, but hubby said one of the men’s had no hot water, and the other was almost scalding hot. A bit of a tight turn to get to the dump station. Good trails throughout the park, most with climbs up to the tops of the ridge. No phone service at all throughout the park. Need to come back when the fall colors are at their peak!
Ranger
This campground is adjacent to a BNSF rail line. Though loud when trains pass, I didn’t lose any sleep. RV sites are back-in, back to back with 30/50amp FHU’s. Bathrooms, laundry, showers and RV sites are older but are acceptable for a couple nights stay. Resort has a 9 hole golf course, pool, Volleyball field, Putt Putt and Gazebo for gatherings.
Ranger
Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary. They sell wine and food in the store. Host is amazing and friendly. Disc golf is busy here, in winter they have sledding hills. The llamas are fun to feed.
RangerGood trout fishing here, some sites are primitive, some have electric and water. World class trout fishing!
Ranger
Nice campground, busy most of the summer. Call ahead for reservations. Kids love the man made pool. Been going here since since 1980! Nice showers. Beautiful area. Lots to do in the area, La Crosse is a 30 minutes drive away.
TravelerVery nice great hiking couldn’t swim on our stay but nice beach canoe rentals small store bathrooms were very clean
GuideWe stayed at cart-in site 49 and it was awesome! Very private and not a huge walk from the car yet far enough!
GuideTook a chance booking online on 4th of July weekend at a place we’d never even heard of and boy was it a great decision! We strongly value our privacy so we chose a cart in site all the way in the back (second to last as 48 was booked) even with campers on either side of us, we had plenty of coverage from the wooded area between the sites!! Great hiking for beginners and experts alike with some gorgeous views! We will definitely be coming back!
LegendSites are primitive with tables, fire rings/grates, pit toilets, self registration, ice/wood available across road at visitors station. Cell service is possible at times .
Legend
Cabin has basic kitchen: fridge/freezer, micro, coffee pot, table/chairs, sleeping room with queen bed, 2 futons, AC/heat, fireplace screened porch, grill/smoker& fire ring outside, table, potable/drink water outside. NO shower/bathroom, must use pit toilet just yards away at trailhead.
ScoutGreat camp ground along the root river. Very clean and quiet.
Guide
This was a nice campground next to a small town- nice quiet sites. Sites were kind of close together. Mostly seasonal spots here. The office he’d strange hours limiting the use of some of the amenities ( tubing, kayak and paddle boat rentals) the party floats were not accessible as advertised on the website. Nice showers in the back section it camp- restrooms were clean but limited on tp ( always brought my own). Seasonal residents were very friendly. Nice pond/lake to swim in and large area to go for a walk. There weren’t many staff around if you had questions or issues and the grounds didn’t seem to be monitored. Overall nice camp and we would stay here again.
GuideWe stayed here 4 nights. They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here. You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that. That’s why they didn’t get 5 stars. I feel if your paying to stay you should get that as included, They have river rafting, a playground for little kids, and a mini horse for petting. Lots of things for kids to do!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Waterville, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Waterville, IA is Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Waterville, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 cabin camping locations near Waterville, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
